August 16th marked 10 years without Thayer. The date came and went.
Our family gathered for a birthday swim and dinner, on what would have been Thayer's 48th birthday, on August 19th.
(I joked that even death can't stop a son-in-law from having a Gowell birthday party.) :)
The death anniversary and birthday week went by unnoticed by most people. However I think my body always subconsciously knows.... and I was kind of a wreck under my skin for about a week.
10 years. That's a decade. I didn't piece that together until my friend Jennifer noted that her fiance had also been gone for a decade. I keep saying that I knew Thayer a lifetime ago. It sure feels that way.
This week we were notified of the unexpected death of Scott Baker, our former worship leader and Thayer's friend from years ago.
Considering I didn't know Scott very well on a personal basis, I was actually surprised that the news of his death has rattled me. Since the news I have spiraled back in time..... and it does feel like a lifetime ago. I find myself grieving for Scott's people, re-grieving Thayer's death, and ultimately grieving the past that was literally decades ago.
Thayer was involved with Grace Church when I came upon the scene in 1997. Scott was the worship leader during that time. I recall how Scott's original music and the worship team's style and presentation were instrumental in our early relationship and early years of our marriage. The songs were rich and impactful, and were an integral part of our spiritual growth as a couple. I can recall having those songs in my head every week.... all week... after a Sunday service. It's hard to capture in words what a sweet period of time that was at Grace Church. But those who were there can certainly reminisce.
I hear Scott was at Thayer's funeral in 2008. And I do vaguely remember him there amidst my fog.
And here we are 10 years later and I'm following posts online about Scott's funeral. Those precious people from Grace are saying goodbye to yet another one gone too soon.
I cried on my way to work yesterday as I envisioned how Thayer would react to happening upon Scott in heaven. I know he will be ecstatic. What a reunion.
If Scott needs a sound guy in heaven.... I know a good one. :)
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Thursday, February 11, 2016
now turn north
The boys are home early from school today. Lucas is grounded from TV this week... and he has rediscovered the outdoors. Both boys are in the woods this afternoon,building some kind of fort.
31 degrees outside and I just sat for my first cup of hot chocolate of the year.
I'm all caught up on Netflix and I'm reluctant to start something else that will consume my time and motivation.
I've had the desire for 'new' lately. Somehow I want to be more intentional with how I spend my time.
Interesting how a month of being a hermit, followed by a month of slow transition to liking people again, has catapulted me into stepping out of my box.
First of all.... I have committed to doing yoga every day. This has been a game changer in how I sleep and how I feel each day. I've raved about yoga in the past... but haven't been consistent in my daily practice. (If only could motivate myself to start walking again. That would be rich.)
Secondly... I'm jumping on board a 'singles' group at a local church. My cousin turned me on to the idea,and I decided to run with it. This is huge for me.... because I'm actually having to talk to new people. If you know me, you know I typically don't want to meet new people. Remember? I have too many friends already. haha.
It should be interesting to actually meet single people my age. Though I get a strong sense that the stereotypes about middle aged single people are true. (yikes. where do I fit in?!)
On the home front I'm trying to be more intentional with my boys as well. We have now started cooking dinner together each night. (well.... when we eat at home)
We also have a weekly cleaning schedule that's pretty habitual now.
There is so much that I want the boys to perfect before they live on their own. I'm in full training mode these days.
Next on my "training" list will be taking Daniel out to drive. Unbelievable.
I feel a big transition for our family over the next few years. Time really does fly. I'm waiting anxiously in the wings hoping that God will illuminate our paths.
31 degrees outside and I just sat for my first cup of hot chocolate of the year.
I'm all caught up on Netflix and I'm reluctant to start something else that will consume my time and motivation.
I've had the desire for 'new' lately. Somehow I want to be more intentional with how I spend my time.
Interesting how a month of being a hermit, followed by a month of slow transition to liking people again, has catapulted me into stepping out of my box.
 |
| This verse has been encouraging to me this month... reminding me that it's probably time to make some changes.... spiritually, physically, emotionally. |
First of all.... I have committed to doing yoga every day. This has been a game changer in how I sleep and how I feel each day. I've raved about yoga in the past... but haven't been consistent in my daily practice. (If only could motivate myself to start walking again. That would be rich.)
Secondly... I'm jumping on board a 'singles' group at a local church. My cousin turned me on to the idea,and I decided to run with it. This is huge for me.... because I'm actually having to talk to new people. If you know me, you know I typically don't want to meet new people. Remember? I have too many friends already. haha.
It should be interesting to actually meet single people my age. Though I get a strong sense that the stereotypes about middle aged single people are true. (yikes. where do I fit in?!)
On the home front I'm trying to be more intentional with my boys as well. We have now started cooking dinner together each night. (well.... when we eat at home)
We also have a weekly cleaning schedule that's pretty habitual now.
There is so much that I want the boys to perfect before they live on their own. I'm in full training mode these days.
Next on my "training" list will be taking Daniel out to drive. Unbelievable.
I feel a big transition for our family over the next few years. Time really does fly. I'm waiting anxiously in the wings hoping that God will illuminate our paths.
Saturday, March 02, 2013
1st visual
Andrew Peterson has written the soundtrack of my life. I have often thought that God uses Andrew as a direct line to my heart. His music has followed me through marriage,babies, kids, moving, job transitions, road trips, financial and marital strains, road trips, death, and life transitions.
Thayer introduced me to Andrew Peterson's music back in 2000. Thayer ran sound for Andrew during a show at our church. I didn't go to the concert, (I think I was home with a new baby) but Thayer brought home a CD.... and I was hooked.
As I was recalling the impact of Andrew's music on my life, I realized that Andrew's music has also been the background music for my boys. They know the music. I catch them singing along at times. They have absorbed many of the songs subliminally while they slept on road trips. They know about Andrew Peterson.
They are aware that Andrew came to sing at Thayer's memorial service. Both boys were so young and they probably don't recall the details, or realize how gracious Andrew was to be a part of the service.
Despite the fact that they know about Andrew Peterson, I recently realized that they have never seen Andrew in concert!
I took my boys to their first Andrew Peterson concert tonight. (with special thanks to my friends John and Lois!)
Andrew and Jason Gray joined forces for this particular tour.
The venue was our old church in Charlottesville. It was nice to go back and recognize many familiar faces.
As I surveyed the room, I recalled the countless hours that Thayer worked while the church was being built. He helped set up the sound system. I could see his handiwork throughout the room.
Then I considered it odd how Thayer ran sound for Andrew Peterson back in 2000....
and now in 2013, Andrew was plugged in to the sound system that Thayer helped to design and construct.
(Just an interesting thought.)
Even more interesting.... when Andrew and Jason came on stage... Lucas leaned over and said "Which one is he?"
WHAT?! How could MY child not know who Andrew Peterson is? Has he lived in a box his entire life?
Silly me. Lucas has heard Andrew his entire life... but does not remember seeing him! I was a bit amused... and even more determined to take my kids to more shows!
The concert was refreshing. The boys bought a few CDs and a t-shirt. And my bro-in-law snapped a great pic of Lucas and my niece with Jason Gray!
I'm looking forward to taking my kids out on the town more often :)
Thayer introduced me to Andrew Peterson's music back in 2000. Thayer ran sound for Andrew during a show at our church. I didn't go to the concert, (I think I was home with a new baby) but Thayer brought home a CD.... and I was hooked.
As I was recalling the impact of Andrew's music on my life, I realized that Andrew's music has also been the background music for my boys. They know the music. I catch them singing along at times. They have absorbed many of the songs subliminally while they slept on road trips. They know about Andrew Peterson.
They are aware that Andrew came to sing at Thayer's memorial service. Both boys were so young and they probably don't recall the details, or realize how gracious Andrew was to be a part of the service.
Despite the fact that they know about Andrew Peterson, I recently realized that they have never seen Andrew in concert!
I took my boys to their first Andrew Peterson concert tonight. (with special thanks to my friends John and Lois!)
Andrew and Jason Gray joined forces for this particular tour.
The venue was our old church in Charlottesville. It was nice to go back and recognize many familiar faces.
As I surveyed the room, I recalled the countless hours that Thayer worked while the church was being built. He helped set up the sound system. I could see his handiwork throughout the room.
Then I considered it odd how Thayer ran sound for Andrew Peterson back in 2000....
and now in 2013, Andrew was plugged in to the sound system that Thayer helped to design and construct.
(Just an interesting thought.)
 |
| Andrew Peterson (left) and Jason Gray (right) Photo by Lois :) |
Even more interesting.... when Andrew and Jason came on stage... Lucas leaned over and said "Which one is he?"
WHAT?! How could MY child not know who Andrew Peterson is? Has he lived in a box his entire life?
Silly me. Lucas has heard Andrew his entire life... but does not remember seeing him! I was a bit amused... and even more determined to take my kids to more shows!
The concert was refreshing. The boys bought a few CDs and a t-shirt. And my bro-in-law snapped a great pic of Lucas and my niece with Jason Gray!
I'm looking forward to taking my kids out on the town more often :)
Tuesday, July 03, 2012
pool party gone wrong
Friday night, June 29th:
We were attending Daniel’s first junior high- church-pool party at a local pool. Things were going well. Dinner included pizza galore, salads, sides and desserts. Kids were playing in the pool. There was a grand game of polo going on.
Temperatures were record high for our city. It was a great night for a swim. I was one of the few adults who were dumb enough to leave their swimsuits at home. It was hot, hot, hot. As the sun was starting to set, things cooled off just a bit and I was enjoying some conversation with my sister and a few others by the pool side.
9:30-ish-pm: My friend’s phone rang. It was her husband who warned her of approaching hurricane type winds.
As soon as she was able to form the words, “Get out of the pool!!”….. the lifeguards had apparently gotten the same message and there was shouting and scurrying that was IMMEDIATELY joined by ‘hurricane type winds’ that descended on us without any other warning.
It was instant.
It was SCARY!
As people were exiting the pool the wall of wind crashed onto us and there was utter chaos. The potluck dinner blasted off of the pavilion area …. Plates, utensils and chairs filled the air.
I was scanning the crowd of people looking for my boys.
Daniel appeared by my side and I grabbed hold of his arm and screamed, “Where is Lucas?!”
I didn’t see Lucas anywhere. (I had last seen him on the opposite side of the pool!)
In a split second decision, I scuffled through the moving chairs to grab my pool bag that contained my car keys and cell phone. In the process, I lost hold of Daniel and I turned to look for both boys.
I kept yelling, “Where are my boys!? Daniel was just here!! I haven’t seen Lucas at all!”
A lifeguard was screaming for people to go into the bathrooms, which were located in little concrete buildings on the other side of the pool.
We were being pelted in the face by flying dirt and dust.
I was panicked about not knowing where my babies were. I’m pretty sure that I kept yelling, “Where are my babies?! I need to be with my babies!”
(so much for remaining calm in a crisis situation...) :/
I was with my sister and somehow the lifeguard was leading us across the concrete. We were moving through the tossed chairs when the POWER WENT OUT! We screamed at the instant darkness… but the lifeguard assured us that she could see (I think she was using a light on a cell phone) and she continued to pull us toward the safety of the concrete bathrooms. All the while, I was freaked out about not knowing where my kids were. My sister and I were some of the last few party go-ers who were corralled into the bathrooms and the lifeguard assured us that everyone was safely inside. There were two bathrooms and one storage room.
My boys were NOT with me.
The lifeguards passed back info that my boys were accounted for. Logically I knew that they were most likely safe… but the situation of chaos made me doubtful. After several minutes, one of the men said that if we wanted to leave, we would need to leave before the heavy rains started.
Daniel met me at the doorway of the bathroom and I was still frantic about finding Lucas. I stood by the other door and yelled for Lucas. The group of people eventually parted and Lucas appeared. As soon as he saw me, he broke down. He was hysterical and very scared. We darted through the dark and found our car as the rain started to pour down. I kept assuring the boys that we would be home soon. Lucas was crying and Daniel was filling the role of the ‘calm’ one. Lucas admitted that he was very scared about being separated from us, and he was afraid that he had lost me.
Yeah, I could relate. I have never been so scared for my children.
Losing them in the storm and chaos totally unhinged me. It was such a feeling of helplessness.
I couldn’t get home fast enough. I wanted to hug my babies and assure them that things were okay. The rain and wind were crazy. I zigzagged around several fallen branches on my street and under the sagging power line that crossed the street in front of my neighbor’s house. We found our way inside and gathered flashlights and candles. We were safe and we were together. I was so thankful.
I am still so thankful for our safety that night. I know that the situation could have been much worse. My other sister reminded me of the parents who have been separated from their children in tsunamis and other natural disasters. Terrifying!
I am saddened to hear of the lives that were cut short as a result of Friday's storm.
Indeed, it could have been much worse.
The power was restored to our house, today (tuesday), after being in the dark for the past 3.5 days. During the power outage we were blessed with cool places to stay in the day (special thanks to my sister and bro-in-law), and we've slept in our basement at night. I'm thankful for my car and for running water.
Most importantly, I am thankful for safety.
amen.
We were attending Daniel’s first junior high- church-pool party at a local pool. Things were going well. Dinner included pizza galore, salads, sides and desserts. Kids were playing in the pool. There was a grand game of polo going on.
Temperatures were record high for our city. It was a great night for a swim. I was one of the few adults who were dumb enough to leave their swimsuits at home. It was hot, hot, hot. As the sun was starting to set, things cooled off just a bit and I was enjoying some conversation with my sister and a few others by the pool side.
9:30-ish-pm: My friend’s phone rang. It was her husband who warned her of approaching hurricane type winds.
As soon as she was able to form the words, “Get out of the pool!!”….. the lifeguards had apparently gotten the same message and there was shouting and scurrying that was IMMEDIATELY joined by ‘hurricane type winds’ that descended on us without any other warning.
It was instant.
It was SCARY!
As people were exiting the pool the wall of wind crashed onto us and there was utter chaos. The potluck dinner blasted off of the pavilion area …. Plates, utensils and chairs filled the air.
I was scanning the crowd of people looking for my boys.
Daniel appeared by my side and I grabbed hold of his arm and screamed, “Where is Lucas?!”
I didn’t see Lucas anywhere. (I had last seen him on the opposite side of the pool!)
In a split second decision, I scuffled through the moving chairs to grab my pool bag that contained my car keys and cell phone. In the process, I lost hold of Daniel and I turned to look for both boys.
I kept yelling, “Where are my boys!? Daniel was just here!! I haven’t seen Lucas at all!”
A lifeguard was screaming for people to go into the bathrooms, which were located in little concrete buildings on the other side of the pool.
We were being pelted in the face by flying dirt and dust.
I was panicked about not knowing where my babies were. I’m pretty sure that I kept yelling, “Where are my babies?! I need to be with my babies!”
(so much for remaining calm in a crisis situation...) :/
I was with my sister and somehow the lifeguard was leading us across the concrete. We were moving through the tossed chairs when the POWER WENT OUT! We screamed at the instant darkness… but the lifeguard assured us that she could see (I think she was using a light on a cell phone) and she continued to pull us toward the safety of the concrete bathrooms. All the while, I was freaked out about not knowing where my kids were. My sister and I were some of the last few party go-ers who were corralled into the bathrooms and the lifeguard assured us that everyone was safely inside. There were two bathrooms and one storage room.
My boys were NOT with me.
The lifeguards passed back info that my boys were accounted for. Logically I knew that they were most likely safe… but the situation of chaos made me doubtful. After several minutes, one of the men said that if we wanted to leave, we would need to leave before the heavy rains started.
Daniel met me at the doorway of the bathroom and I was still frantic about finding Lucas. I stood by the other door and yelled for Lucas. The group of people eventually parted and Lucas appeared. As soon as he saw me, he broke down. He was hysterical and very scared. We darted through the dark and found our car as the rain started to pour down. I kept assuring the boys that we would be home soon. Lucas was crying and Daniel was filling the role of the ‘calm’ one. Lucas admitted that he was very scared about being separated from us, and he was afraid that he had lost me.
Yeah, I could relate. I have never been so scared for my children.
Losing them in the storm and chaos totally unhinged me. It was such a feeling of helplessness.
I couldn’t get home fast enough. I wanted to hug my babies and assure them that things were okay. The rain and wind were crazy. I zigzagged around several fallen branches on my street and under the sagging power line that crossed the street in front of my neighbor’s house. We found our way inside and gathered flashlights and candles. We were safe and we were together. I was so thankful.
I am still so thankful for our safety that night. I know that the situation could have been much worse. My other sister reminded me of the parents who have been separated from their children in tsunamis and other natural disasters. Terrifying!
I am saddened to hear of the lives that were cut short as a result of Friday's storm.
Indeed, it could have been much worse.
The power was restored to our house, today (tuesday), after being in the dark for the past 3.5 days. During the power outage we were blessed with cool places to stay in the day (special thanks to my sister and bro-in-law), and we've slept in our basement at night. I'm thankful for my car and for running water.
Most importantly, I am thankful for safety.
amen.
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